Carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine



M. P. NEAL 2,648,450 CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBL'ING MACHINE Aug. 11, 1953 14 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 28, 1949 M. P. NEAL CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1949 14 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 11, 1953 M. P. NEAL CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1949 Aug. 11, 1953 M. P. NEAL 2,348,450

CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1949 14 Sheets-Sheet 4 g V QwN N E W. m RQ u T 5 r w H wm mww m m @w M H 3 M. P. NEAL Aug. 11,, 1953 CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE 14 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed April 28, 1949 M. F" NEAL CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1949 Aug. 11, 1953 14 Sheets-Sheet 6 Aug, 11, 1953 M. P. NEAL 2,648,450

CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1949 14 Sheets-Sheet 7 I F m {94 I M2 53 799! A90 HTTOENE/S.

M. P. NEAL Aug. 11, 1953 l4 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed April 28, 1949 Aug. 11, 1953 M. P. NEAL 2,648,450

CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1949 14 Sheets-Sheet 9 /NL/EA/TOR. Ma le/.5 NEAL] 5V ,qrro A/EKS Aug. 11, 1953 M. P. NEAL 2,648,450

CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNTSCRAMBLING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1949 14 Sheets-Sheet 1O M. P. NEAL Aug. 11, 1953 CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1949 14 Sheets-Sheet ll 26 5 5 o 3 Z. 2 l 3 w m m M 4 8 1/ 4 7 34, W W um n 22 4 n 7 8 0 7 n 6 d g ML 3 Z 61 9 5 Z 0 g m z 4 M 0 WA 0 Z M 9 Z 2 2 3 d 3 5 flu h w u. 4 7 MW 5 4 a 8 w 84 n a a g 4 5 w 4 .T g l -i 4' 10 w 7 j 8 MW 5 W l/E'NTO E: MOPQ 1.5 7? NEAL M. P. NEAL CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1949 M Sheets-Sheet l2 whm wwm HT-ro k mmw u Q mm E WWW mum amw Wm mmm E mum kvm NmN 3N 0 FL l l I I l I l l l M. P. NEAL Aug. 11, 1953 CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1949 14 Sheets-Sheet l3 L J m5 w? E m m h w mai M01 -f E Z wax M w 0 k W g @MY mm "H g. a Q J R M I .1 y 0 3 'IIIIIII f mm W Aug. 11, 1953 M. P. NEAL 2,648,450

CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE Filed April 28, 1949 14 Sheets-Sheet l4 IN yc/v TOE: MolPR/s P. NEAL,

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Patented Aug. 11, 1953 CARTON UNLOADING AND UNIT UNSCRAMBLING MACHINE Morris P. Neal, Moberly, Mo., assignor to A-B-C Packaging Machine Corporation, Moberly, Mo., a corporation of Illinois Application April 28, 1949, Serial No. 90,244

6 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to machinery for removing bottles, and the like, from cartons, and for unscrambling the individual bottles, cans, and the like, to present them in a single line or file at a conveyor which may carry them off to additional operations, and particularly to a machine which unloads bottles, or the like, disposed in the cartons in upside down position so that they are received on the unscrambling section of the machine in upright position, and in which the unscrambling mechanism efficiently and quickly separates the grouped bottles, and the like, and arranges them in single file for further operations.

Concisely, the present machine includes a mechanism for unloading bottles disposed in cartons in upside down positions and a mechanism for unscrambling the bottles after they have been unloaded from the cartons to dispose them in single file. Numerous details of the mechanisms which combine to form the present machine are also novel, as is manifest from the detailed description which follows and from the claims forming a part of the present application.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel carton unloading and individual unit unscrambler machine which efficiently performs the unloading and unscrambling operations.

Another object is to provide a novel carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine in which bottles, and the like, disposed in cartons in upside down position are unloaded and disposed on the unscrambling mechanism for the unscrambling operation, and in which the empty upside down cartons are righted for removal for further use.

Another object is to provide a novel carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine which is fully automatic both in normal carton and unit handling operations and is rectifying a unit jam on the unscrambler mechanism.

Another object is to provide a novel carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine which is adjustable in its major components for accommodation of cartons and units of different sizes.

Another object is to provide a novel carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine which incorporates a safety device effective to stop unit unloading upon the occurrence of a unit jam on the unscrambler mechanism.

Another object is to provide a novel carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine which is adapted to unload and to unscramble bottles, and the like, at high speeds, yet which reduces to a minimum bottle breakage both in unloading and in unscrambling.

Another object is to provide a novel carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine which reduces to a minimum down time due to carton unloading jams, to breakage and consequent jam- 2 ming, and to unit jams on the unscrambler mechanism.

Another object is to provide a novel carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine which incorporates switch mechanism for maintaining cartons fed into the machine in spaced relation when it is found desirable to have them so spaced.

Another object is to provide a novel carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine which incorporates provision for disposing of any small and large pieces of glass, which may result from unloading, short of the final unit feed of the unscrambler mechanism.

Another object is to provide a novel carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine which may be readily synchronized with other machines of a selected unit filling line, or the like, to feed upright units to such other machines for predetermined labeling, filling, etc., operations.

Other objects are to provide a novel carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine which is sturdy in construction, which is constructed for long usage, which requires minimum maintenance, which may be used emciently with little instruction, and which is adapted for wide usage.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages are apparent from the following description taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic top plan view of a carton unloader and unit unscrambler machine incorporating the teachings of the present invention (Sheet 1);

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic side elevational view thereof looking in the direction of arrow A of Fig. 1 (Sheet 1);

Fig. 3 is a wiring diagram of the electrical circuits of the machine (Sheet 1) Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the carton unloader mechanism looking in the direction of the arrow A of Fig. 1 (Sheet 2) Fig. 4a is a side elevational View of the major portion of the unit unscrambler mechanism, the remaining portion being shown in Fig. 4b, looking in the direction of arrow A of Fig. 1 (Sheet 3) Fig. 4b is a side elevational View of the remainder of the unit unscrambler mechanism (Sheet 4);

Fig. 5 is a vertical substantially central longitudinal cross-sectional view through the carton unloader mechanism (Sheet 5) Fig. 5a is a vertical substantially central longitudinal cross-sectional View through that portion of the unit unscrambler mechanism shown in Fig. 4a (Sheet 6);

Fig. 5b is a vertical substantially central longitudinal cross-sectional view through that portion of the unit unscrambler mechanism shown in Fig. 41) (Sheet 4);

Fig. 6 is a front end elevational View of the -machine looking at the carton receiving end of the unloader mechanism (Sheet 7) Fig. '7 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line l-I of Fig. 4

(sheets); p Y

Fig. 8 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line 88 of Fig. 4a (Sheet 9) Fig. 9 is a vertical transverse cross sectional view on substantially the line 9 -9 of Fig. 4a

(Sheet 9) H Fig. 10 is a plan view of tlie carton receivin end of the carton unloader mechanism (Sheet 10) Fig. 11 is an enlarged vertipal longitudinal cross-sectional view on substantially the line ll| I of Fig. 10 (Sheet 7),;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal crosss'ectional view on substantially the line I2l2 of Fig. '7 (Sheet 7);

Fig. 13 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view on substantially the line 13-13 of Fig. 7 (Sheet '7) v Fig. 1e is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line i4''l4of Fig. 4b (Sheetll); v

"Fig. 15 is'a horizontal cross-sectional view on substantially the line Iii-l5 of Fig. 14 (Sheet 'Fig."16 is an enlarged'fragment'ary view of the construction at the lower right hand corner of Fig.15 (Sheet 12); g s

Fig. 17 is anelevationaliview of the rear portion of the unit unscrambler mechanism with one crank removed, showing the side opposed to that iliustra-te'din Fig.'4 b (Sheet l3) g V Fig. 17a is an el ev-ational view of the forward portion of the unitunscr'ainbler mechanism, continuihgFig'l'? (Sheet 11); y

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantiallythe line Iii-l8 of Fig. 17 (Sheet 13);

Fig. 19 is an enlarged fragmentary fvertical transverse cross-sectional view 'talgenfon substantially the line (9-19'0ffFi'g55 (Sheet 10);

Figs. 20, 2 1, and 22jare 'verti'cal longitudinal cross-sectional views "on substantially the lines Z'fl -"Zdfi- -El' ahdffZZZ'Zflof Figfl'Q (Sheet 13) Fig. '23 is a "cross secti'on'al view. through an internally threaded bushing (Sheet 10) QFigsQZj F'andZS are enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal crass-sectional views ion substantially the lines 24-44 and 25 2's of Figf8 (Sh'eet'l i); V I I I H I Fig. 26 is ahOri ontal cross -secti o nal Vl6W on substantially the line is-2e of Fig. 25 (Sheet 14) Fig.2? is a detailview, partly in section, of the forward. drive shaft. with the supported sprockets which drive the final'bottle discharge conveyeri chain belt (Sheet 8) Fig. 28 is a View similar to Fig. 27'of the adjacent shaft and s'prockets for driving the intermediate conveyer chain belt (Sheet 8) Fig. 29 is a plan view of a hinged support member for cartons'ide-flaps. (Sheet 8-) Fig. 30 is a plan View of a plate which engages the end flaps of'an upside down carton to hold unloaded bottles in place until the sameare over the receivingconveyer chain belt (Sheet 6) Fig. 31 is a side elevationalview thereof (Sheet 6) Fig. 32 'is a plan View, partly in section, of-a side flap opener finger (Sheet 5) I I Fig. 33 is a side elevational view thereof (Sheet 5) Fig. 34 is an end elevational view thereof (Sheet 5) V Fig. '35 is a detail View, 'p'artly insectfon and partly in side elevation, of the forward end of one carton side fiap receiving guid and mounting, the view also showing the mounting of the finger shown in Fig. 32 (Sheet 14) Fig. 36 is a detail view of a hinge which receives the finger of Fig. 32 (Sheet 14) Fig. 37 is a forward end view of the left hand carton side flap receiving guide (Sheet 4) Fig. 38 is a fr'amentary enlarged side elevational View of a-portion of the transverse adjustmentjassembly for the left hand carton side flap receiving guide, the shaft being broken away and the guide being in section (Sheet 4) Fig. 39 is an end view thereof, the'shaft being in section and the guide being broken "away (Sheet 4) and Fig. 40 is a top plan view of a plate which supports partition assemblies or'unitseparators until the cartons are righted.

Referring to the "drawings more particularly by reference numerals, there is diagrammatically illustrated in Figs. '1 "and 2 a carton unloading and unit unscrambling machine 50 eonstructe'd in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Broadly, the machine 50 includes a carton unloading mechanism 52 anda unit rmscranibler mechanism 54 whichare s'yri'chrdriizld to unload upside down bottles 6r other uiiits from cartons in upright positions and to unscramble the same for further'operatioiis. rerward, intermediate, and reawpairs'er1egs5655 1,

and 58, respectively, shown as channel iron teem-- bers, support the mahme*5'o,*eaeh er which may includean integral f'oot flangeportion fie for-receiving bolts 55 in anchoringthe-machinefli ch a foundation 6 I.

Specifically considering the carton unloading mechanism 52, the supporting frame therefor includes the spacedpairsof forward legsf'fi and intermediate legs 51, and uniting "longitudinal inturned angle iro'n side fram'e members' fifsecured thereto by suitable rivets 63, or thejlilie, the members 62' extending ra rvvafdly'beyond the intermediate 'legs 5?, shafts? secured tofthe pairs of legs '55 and "51 adjacent the bbttom thereof by suitable bolts, a transversech'anhel member extending across theiiiembers and securedto the upper fiang' e'th'ereof -by suitable liolts adjacent the legs '56; a transverse angle iron member 66 secured to the intermediate legs 5': by suitable bolts, a" front u-ahsvrsestrap 6?, and other reinforcing"and'supporting'members mentioned below.

A loaded carton receiving-unit T0- is-sup'ported between the forward endsof twospaceh rigidly connected vertically adjustable longitudinal main frame plates '60 of channel cross section, the mounting of which is more pai iti'cularly describedbelow (Figs. 4, 5,6 and 10). Spaced transverse angle iron members H and 12 are secured to-the plates 69' by suitable bolts. "s anning the angle members 51' and 72' a'nd'bol'tcdthereto are spaced channel iron members The channel members i3 support spaced'rol'lers 14 live beingshown (Figs' 6 and 10). Each channel member'iaiaiso supports a bearingv (5 which rotatably receive a shaft "E6. The shaft 16 extends throughthe left hand channel member 13 and is supported at its free end in a third bearing bolted to the frame plate 5%. A drum Tl is'sec ured to'the shaft 16 by a suitable setscrew,or'the like, for rotation therewith. A longitudinally slotted bracket 18 having an adjustment screw 8I is secured to the forward end of each channel member 73, the brackets 78 adjustably supporting a shaft 79 for rotation, which intermediate the ends has secured thereto a small cylindrical roller 80. An endless belt &2 is disposed about the drum 77 and the roller -80. The brackets 78, through the screws 8 I, permit the proper tension to be placed on the endless belt 82. A suitable motor 83 and adjacent reduction gearing 84 for powering the belt 82 are bolted to spaced pairs of transversely disposed straps I35 which extend between the plates M and are secured to the lower flanges thereof by rivets or the like. A motor of onehalf horsepower has been found to be adequate. A small sprocket 8? is secured by a setscreW to a power take-off shaft 80 extending from the ear reducer 8 5. An endless chain 89 is trained about the sprocket 87 and about a larger sprocket 90 secured to the shaft "It between the plate 60 and channel member 73 by a suitable setscrew, or the like. As is clear from Fig. 5, the upper reach of the endless belt 82 moves across the rollers it which lend support to a loaded carton being fed into the machine 50 for unloading. During operation of the machine 50, the motor 33 continuously drives the endless belt 82.

A carton guide rail 95 is adjustably mounted at each side of the endless belt 82 (Figs. 4, 5, 6, l and 11). As is clear from Fig. 10, the guide rails 25 are divergingly related at their receiving ends in order to easily accommodate and guide a carton into position on the belt 82. Each guide rail S5 is mounted on the vertical extensions of a pair of split sleeve internally threaded guide brackets 95, being secured thereto by suitable bolts (Fig. 11). The opposed brackets 05 are oppositely threaded and engage oppositely threaded segments 97 and 98 of shafts I00 and Iili rotatably mounted at their ends in bearings 02 and E02, respectively, which are supported by the channel frame plates 60 through bolts, or the like. Small sprockets I05 and I06 are secured to the shafts I00 and IN, respectively, near common ends thereof which receive an endless chain I07 (Figs. 5 and 10). This chain I07, its power means, and its eifect on the guide rails 95 are more particularly referred to below, it being clear from Fig. 5 that only a part of its upper reach is in engagement with the small sprockets m5 and led. Movement of the chain I07 effects inward and outward movement of the guide rails 25, depending upon the direction of travel.

Extending upwardly from and secured to the rearmost or right hand guide rail 95, considering Fi s. 4 and 5, is a plate I03 which adjustably supports two micro-switches I59 and H0 through the medium of a slot I I I and suitable bolts. The micro-switches 509 and III] include pivoted actuator arms II2 and H3, respectively, which extend into the path of inwardly moving loaded cartons. The micro-switches I59 and H0 are in series and together energize a motor more particularly referred to below.

Rearwardly of the unit 70 are adjustably mounted parallel longitudinally and edge wise disposed belts I and I2! which form vertical walls for receiving loaded cartons from the belt 82, and which move such cartons through a predetermined pcrtion of travel (Figs. 4-8, 10, 12, 13, and 19). Longitudinally spaced drums I22 and I? support each of the belts I20 and I2I. Each drum I22 is secured to the upper end of a vertical shaft I25 by setscrews, or the like, which is rotatably mounted in vertically spaced aligned 6 bearing elements I25 and I27 formed integral with a bracket I28 of the configuration clearly shown in Figs. 4, 7, 12, and 13, which is slidably mounted on a heavy transverse member I30 disposed between and secured at its end to the channel plates 00 through suitable bolts, or the like. Strips I3I, through securing bolts I32, maintain the brackets I28 in position on the member I30 for transverse sliding movement. A bevelled gear i33 is secured to the lower end of each shaft I25 by a setscrew, or the like. Each bracket I23 also includes a split internally threaded clamp I35 and a depending bearing sleeve I37. The two split clamps I36 are oppositely threaded and engage oppositely threaded segments I40 and MI of a shaft I42 which is supported at its ends for rotation by bearings I43 mounted on the channel plates 60 through suitable bolts. The shaft I42 is supported intermediate its ends by a bracket I44 secured by suitable bolts to a plate I45 which, in turn, is secured by bolts to the transverse member I30. A driven shaft I extends through the sleeves I37 and is rotatably mounted in bearings I5I which are secured by suitable bolts to the channel plates 60. The

shaft i50 extends through the left hand bearings tel and has a sprocket I52 of selected diameter secured to the free end thereof (Fig. 4) A bevelled gear I53 is secured to each of the sleeves I37 for relative rotation and for longitudinal movement therewith along the shaft I50, each bevelled gear I53 being secured to the shaft I50 for rotation therewith, but for longitudinal or axial movement in respect thereto through a suitable slot i5 3 and usual pin (not shown). Each bevelled gear I53 is in engagement with an adjacent bevelled gear I35. A small sprocket I55 is secured to the shaft I42 near the right hand end over which is trained the above-mentioned chain I07. This chain I07 also engages two idler sprockets I60 and I6I which are rotatably mounted on brackets secured to the adjacent channel plate 60. The shaft I42 extends through the right channel plate 60, considering Fig. '7, and has removably secured to the free end an operating crank I65.

Each of the drums I23 is freely rotatably mounted on a stationary vertical shaft I which is welded or otherwise secured to a. plate I7 I secured by bolts I72 to the upper end of a bracket I73 of the configuration clearly shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 19. The plates I7I are of channel cross section and extend the full length beneath the belts I20 and I2I for purposes described below, being supported forwardly on the brackets I28 (Figs. '7 and 19). Each bracket I73 is slidably mounted on a transverse frame member I74 of rectangular cross section in the same manner as the brackets I28, the members I74 being secured to the channel plates (-50 by bolts, or the like. Suitable strips I75 are secured to the brackets I73 by bolts I75 and overlie the member I74. Each bracket I73 includes a split clamp I77 having secured therein a threaded bushing I (Figs. 20 and 23) which en ages a threaded segment I78 of a shaft I73 rotatably mounted at its ends in'suitable bearings (not shown) secured to the channel plates 50 by bolts. The threaded segments I78 and the split clamps I77 are oppositely threaded. Between the brackets I73 is a vertical plate IOI which is bolted to the member I74 and which includes a horizontal flange I8I A small sprocket I82 is secured to the shaft I79 nearthe right hand channel plate 60 (Fig. 5).

A chain I83 is trained around the sprocket I82 and about a sprocket I04 secured to the shaft I42 .(Fig. 7). Intermediate the ends-the endless chain I83 is trainedover-adjustable idler sprockets I86 and I81 which are rotatablymounted on suitable spindles vertically adjustably mounted in brackets I88 secured :to the adjacent channel plate .60.

It is manifest that, by selected rotation of the crank I65, the two belts I20 and I2.I and the two guide rails .95 may be moved toward or away from each other.

A side guard plate I90 is mounted adjacent the outer face of each of the belts I20 and I2I, being welded or otherwise secured to the outer flange of the respective plate I'II. To the upper offset edge of each of the-guardplates I90 is secured by bolts the outer edge of a top plate I BI. Each of the rotatable shafts I25 is braced at its top by rotatable engagement with a bearing I92 bolted to the lower surface of each plate I9I (Figs. 4 and 7). Likewise, each shaft I10 has its end fitted in a bearing I93 bolted to the inner surface of each .plate I9I for bracing effect (Fig. 4). Rollers I94 are rotatably supported between the plates Ill and I9I adjacent the inner reaches of the belts I20 and I2I to maintain the same taut (Figs. 7 and 10).

Power for rotating the belts .I 20 and I2I is supplied by a motor 200 through a reduction gearing unit 20I which are disposed beneath the belts I20 and I2] (Figs. 4, 5,.and '7) A motor of one horsepower has been found to be adequate. The motor 200 and the reduction unit 20I are supported on pairs of angle members 202 and 203, respectively, which span and are pierced by a pair of spaced shafts .204, the shafts 204 being supported at their-ends in the vertical flanges of the angle iron frame members 62, the shafts 204, including threaded reduced ends which receive nuts 20.5. The unit 20I is fixed to the shafts 204 .by setscrews, or the like, but the motor 200 is movable on the shafts 204 for speed adjustment. .A threaded shaft 205 threadedly engages the left hand member 202 and extends through the member -62, being retainedby collars and setscrews .and having .asquared end for reception of a crank (not shown).

The poweriof the motor 200 is transmitted-to the reduction unit 20I by means of an adjustable speed belt 201,, which-is trained arounda sheave V 200 fixed to therotorshaft of the motor 200 and around a large wheel 20I fixed to a shaft extending into the reduction unit 20I. Extending from the gear reduction .unit 20I .is ,a suitable power take-off shaft .208 to which are secured for rotation therewith two small sprockets .209 and .2I (Fig. 7.). Around the sprocket 209 is trained achain :.2I2,: .the other-endof which is trained around a larger sprocket 2 I3 which is secured to .a shaft :2I4 for rotation therewith (Figs. Ligand .7) An idler sprocket'228 mounted on ,a spring biased .arm 229 pivotally connected to theangle.member203engages the lowerreach of the chain .-2I2. The shaft .2I4 is .rotat-ably mounted in bearings .215 which .are .secured by suitablebolts, or thelike, to the horizontal flanges of the .framemembers .62. As isclearfrom Fig. '7, the shaft :2I4 extends through the leithand bearing =2I'5, end-has a sprocket.2 I fisecuredstothe free .end thereof for.-rotation therewith. As .is clear from Fig. 4, the-shaft :2 I 4 is disposed :directly beneath the shaft I50 whichcarries ithe sprocket 4-52. .A reinforced chain guard .2 20 .is pivotally mounted .at-one end on-the shaft .2I4 through a suitable bearing .220. Similarly, .a

I 8 reinforced chain guard '22I is pivotally mounted on the free end of the shaft I through a suitable bearin'g 22I. As is clear from Fig. 4, the chain guards 220 and 22I are disposed in converging relationship, and are pivotally connected through suitable bearings by a stub shaft 222 on which are mounted two sprockets 223 and 224 (Fig. 4). An endless chain 226 is trained around the sprockets 2IB and 223 and another endless chain 221 is trained around the sprockets 224 and I52. Hence, a vertically adjustable power transmission device is provided.

The motor 200 is energized by the microswitches I09 and H0, as is more particularly described below, it being obvious from the foregoing detailed description that the belts I20 and I2I will be rotated when the motor 200 is energized.

Th belts 20 and 5 2i and the beltSZ, together with supporting and related parts, are vertically adjustable as a rack 235 is secured by bolts to the interior flange of each of the four legs and 5? (Figs. 4-7). Each channel plate is supported at each end on a bearing 231, opposed pairs of which rotatably receive spaced shafts Each of the shafts 233 has its free ends outwardly of the bearings 23?, a pinion 240 being secured to each free end for rotation therewith. Each pinion 200 is in engagement with a ran. this connection between pinions 240 and racks 235% comprising the support for the channel plates .30 the mechanism carried thereby. A l. ge worm gear 2 32 is secured to each rrncdiate the ends thereof, one be-- ing left hand and theother right hand. For oper ation of the shafts 2.39, there is provided a long, iongitudinally ezi'tending shaft 243 rotatably supported at the front in a bracket 244 bolted to front strap member MI and intermediate its ends in a bracket Z05 bolted to an intermediate strap member 239, to the front end. of which is removabiy connected an operating crank ,246. A worm gear 20? is secured to the front and rear endsof the shaft 2&3 above each worm gear 242 and in engage "t therewith, the worm gears 24? being correspon ngly threaded with the Worm gears 202. Each worm gear 24'! is splined or otherwise secured to the shaft .243 and is disposed between spaced sieevcs 243 forming integral parts of a bracket (Fig. 5). The shaft 2.4.3 extends through the sleeves248. A sleeve 25I is formed integral with each. bracket 249 which depends therefrom surrounds the respective shaft Hence, the shaft 24.3 is thus tied into the shaftsftfi insuring a rigid operative construction. Manifestly, rotation of the crank246 willeifect vertical movement of thechannel plates and therewith vertical movement of the belts i250 and I2 I, and the belt 82.

Inorder to dispose the flaps ,of a loaded carton 2-35 being handled by the machine 00 in proper positions for unioading of the contained units, there ar provided flap engaging elements bctween the belts I20 and I2I. .-A plate 20I ,of elongated form is hingedly connected to the inner flange of each of the plates i-"I'I by suitable hinges 26-2 (Figs. 5, 7, and 29) Anadjusting screw3263 is provided for each plate .25I which is mounted in an arm 264 connected to the plate IlI. Hence the plate '25! may be positioned as desired to al low an initialpartial opening of longitudinal flaps 255 of the carton 255. Between and towards the rear cfthe belts I20 and MI is.an elongated plate 250 which is mounted at its rear end on-the .vertical plate .ItI (Fig. 5, 19,30, andBl). Aresilient member 261 is riveted or bolted to the forward end of the plate 266 having a downturned lip to insure the trailing end flaps of cartons 255 moving onto the plate 263. Two side flap opening fingers 268 are pivotally connected at base ends to hinges 239, each of which is secured to the in nor forward end of a carton guide 457 more particularly described below (Figs. 5, 8, 19, 35 and 36). Each fiinger 239 includes an intermediate apertured boss 219 which receives an end of a spring 21!, the other end of each spring fill being anchored on a pin 271'2 secured to the horizontal portion I8! of the plate Ill, the fingers thus being biased into converging relation (Fig. 19). The free ends of the fingers 298 rest beneath the plate 268 (Fig. a). The fingers 288 deflect carton side flaps 256 into vertical depending positions for movement into guides after they leave the plates 28L The pivotal mounting and spring suspension of the fingers 268 permit automatic adjustment thereof when lateral. adjustment of the machine 59 are necessary.

Referring to the unscrambler mechanism 54, the common intermediate legs 5'! and the rear legs 58 support a framework which includes the above-mentioned transverse member 68 bolted to the legs 51, channel members or plates 218 and 211 which are supported at one end on and are bolted to the angle beam 69 and are secured at the other end by rivets to the legs 58, transverse straps 214 and 215 bolted to the rear flanges of the legs 51, an angle iron 218 riveted to the forward flanges of the legs 38, and a strap member 279 bolted to the rear flanges of the legs 51 (Figs. la, 4b and 8). The channel member 2'1! includes a vertical flange 21'? at its forward end which is bolted to the rear flange of the adjacent leg 57, and the member 2'58 is secured to the upper end of the adjacent leg 5'! by a bracket 213 and anchoring bolts (Fig. 8).

The unscrambler mechanism 54 includes three parallel conveyer chain belts 288, 28!, and 283, the center one of which moves in opposite direction to the other two (Figs. 5a. 5b, and 15).

The chain belt 289, which is the unit receiving conveyer and is wider than the other two, at the forward end is trained around three spaced large sprocket wheels 285 which are freely mounted on a shaft 288 supported at its ends in bearings 28? bolted to the inner surfaces of the channel members 278 and 2?? (Fig, 8). The bearings 28? are adjustably mounted to permit tensioning of the chain belt 289 (not shown). The sprockets 285 are maintained against longitudinal movement along the shaft 288 by collars, or the like (not shown), in order to insure against lateral movement of the forward end of the chain belt 289. At its rear end, the chain belt 289 is trained around three large sprocket wheels 298 of the same size and construction as the sprocket wheels 285, which are secured to a shaft 29! by setscrews, or the like, for rotation therewith (Fig. 14). The shaft 291 extends across the mechanism 54 and is supported at its ends in bearings 292 which are bolted to the inner surfaces of the channel members 216 and 217.

Vertical strap members 283 and 294 are dis posed adjacent the top reach of the chain belt 289, being supported on transverse angle iron members 295 riveted at the ends to the channel members 276 and 271. Brackets 293 anchor the strap 293 to the members 288. Large rollers 288 and small end rollers 289 are rotatably supported by the strap members 2 and .2 4, the-rollers 288 and 289 supporting the upper reach of the chain belt 288 (Figs. 5a and 15). A unit guide rail 284 is supported by the strap members 293 through small vertical plates 289' which prevents units from falling off the right side of the chain belt 289.

The above-mentioned motor 288 also furnishes the driving power for the chain belt 289 (Figs. 5, 5a, 5b, 8, and l i). An endless chain 296 is trained around the small driven sprocket 2H1 mentioned above (Fig. 7) and around a larger sprocket 283i secured to a shaft 298 by setscrews, or the like, rotatabl y mounted at its ends in bearings 298 secured by suitable bolts to the vertical flanges of angle iron members 62 and to the intermediate legs 55' (Fig. 8). An idler sprocket 300 rotatably mounted on the end of a pivotally mounted arm 39! maintains the chain 296 taut, as is clear from Fig. 5. The arm 39| is pivotally mounted on the rearwardly disposed shaft 294, and is spring biased into chain tightening position. A second sprocket 385 is secured to the shaft 298 by a suitable setscrew adjacent the sprocket 297. A long chain 386 is trained at one end around the sprocket 305. At its other end, the chain 386 is trained around a large sprocket 397 which is secured by a suitable setscrew, or the like, to the shaft 29! for rotation therewith. An adjustably mounted idler sprocket 388 engages the upper reach of the chain 308 intermediate its ends for maintaining the same in taut relation, the sprocket 388 being mounted on a stub shaft 399 adjustably supported by a bracket 3 l 9 secured to the inner surface of the channel member 216. An idler sprocket 3 I l engaging the lower reach of the chain 888 is mounted on the forward shaft 352 for rotation (Figs. 5a and 9).

A plate 3l5 of triangular configuration is disposed above the conveyer chain belt 289 at its rear end. The plate M5 is vertically adjustably mounted on two threaded posts 3 l 9 and 3 I l which are rigidly supported by brackets 3l8 and 3|9, respectively,'which are bolted to the members 325 and 295, respectively. Upper and lower nuts 320 on the posts 353 and 3!! receive the plate 315 therebetween. At one corner, a vertical shaft 322 extends through the plate 3|5, being rotatably supported in a bearing 323 mounted on a bracket 3% which is supported by a transverse frame member 325 riveted to the upper ends of the legs 58. The shaft 322 is split at 328 for a major porticn of its length and receives a large sheave 321 above the plate ME. A bevelled gear 328 is secured to the lower end of the shaft 322 by a setscrew and is in engagement with a larger bevelled gear 329 which is secured to the shaft 29! by a suitable setscrew, or the like (Fig. 14).

Four freely rotatable small sheaves 332 are mounted on the plate 315 along one side thereof on vertical stub shafts secured in place by nuts, as is clear from Fig. 15, which, together with the large sheave 32?, receive an endless belt 333. It is clear from the foregoing that the endless belt 333 is driven simultaneously with the conveyer chain belt 288 by the motor 289.

The second or intermediate conveyer chain belt 28!, which is of a width substantially half that of the conveyer chain belt 288, is trained at one end around two large sprocket wheels 340 which are of the same size as the sprocket Wheels 298 and which are freely rotatable on the shaft 29I (Figs. 14, 15). At its other end, the conveyer chain belt 28! is trained around two smaller sprocket wheels 33! which are secured by suitable setscrews, or the like, to a driven transversely disposed shaft 342 which is rotatably and adjustably mounted at its end-in bearings 343' which are secured by suitable nuts to the inner surf-aces of the channel members 216 and 211' (Figs. 15 and 28). At the end of the shaft 342, remote from the sprocket wheels 34!, is a small sprocket 345 secured to the shaft 342 by a suitable setscrew for rotation therewith. Adjacent the sprocket 335 is a gear 346 which is also secured to the shaft 342 by a suitable setscrew for rotation therewith. An endless chain 341 is trained over the sprocket 345- and over a smallsprocket 343 secured by a suitable setscrew, or the like, to a stub shaft 349 extending from and serving as the power take-off of a gear reducing unit 350 which is mounted beneath the forward end of the unscrambler mechanism 54 on angle members 351 which are supported by and secured to spaced shafts 352 mounted at the ends on the vertical flanges of the angle members 62 (Figs. 5a and 9). Adjacent the gear reducing units 353 is a motor 355 which is mounted on angle members 356 supported by the shaft 352 for relative movement. A motor of one-half horsepower has proven adequate. A threaded shaft 351 threadedly engages a threaded aperture in the vertical flange of the angle member 356 remote from the reducing unit 350. The member 351 extends through the member 32 and isforrned at its end to receive a crank, being held against movement relative to the member 62 by suitable collars. Power is transmitted from the motor 355 tothe gear reducing unit 350-by means of an endless belt 353 which is trained around a large sheave 359 secured to a shaft extending into the gear reducing unit 356 and around a smaller sheave 369 secured to the rotor shaft of the motor 335. The relationship of the belt 358' and the sheave 3156 is such that movement of the motor 355' from and towards the unit 350 changes the effective speed of the motor 355 as transmitted therefrom to the large sheave 359.

The upper reach of the conveyer chain belt MI is supported by a plurality of freely rotatable rollers 365-, the ends of which are mounted in the strap member 2% and a parallel strap member 361, the strap member 361, like the strap member 23 1;, being supported intermediate its ends by the transverse straps 295.

The conveyer chain belt 283 is of substantially the width of the conveyer chain belt 281 and is trained at one end around two large sprocket wheels 31!) of the same size as the sprocket wheels 2611 and 349, which are freely rotatably mounted on the shaft 291. The sprocket wheels 310 are fastened together by suitable spacers 368 and bolts, and to this assembly is welded a small sprocket 369; At its forward end, the conveyer chain belt 283: is trained around a pair of smaller sprocket wheels 31! which rotate freely on a shaft 312, being retained against. movement along the shaft 312' by setscrew retained collars (Figs. and 27). The shaft 312 isrotatably and adjustably mounted at its ends in bearings 313 which are secured by bolts to the inner face of the channel members 216 and 211. A gear 314 is secured by a setscrew to the shaft 312 at the end remote from the sprocket wheels 31! and meshes with the gear 343secured to the shaft 342. A sprocket 315 is secured to the shaft 312 by setscrews, or the like. An endless chain 316 is trained around the sprocket 315 under adjustably mounted idler sprockets 316', and around the sprocket 369 which is attached to the sprocket wheels 310. The conveyer chain belt 283 is. supported intermediate its ends by rollers 311 which a e freely rotatably supported by the longitudinal strap member 361 and an additional longitudinal strapmember 31 8 supported like the strap member 251. A roller conveyer section 319 is secured in position atthe discharge endof the chain belt 283. The adjustable mounting of the ends of the shafts 342 and 312 permits the use of different size gears 346 and 314 to change the speed of the chain belt 283 relative to the chain belt 281.

A unit guide rail 383 is provided which includes abase portion 381 secured to the vertical. portions of brackets 332 bolted to the top flange of the channel member 211. angles to the base portion 33| is a portion 383 which extends inwardly across a portion of the conveyer chain belt 283. An angularly disposed portion 384' forms a continuation of the portion 383 and: extends diagonally across a portion of the conveyer chain belt 233 and diagonally across the conveyer chain belt 28L as is clear from Fig. 15. The free end of the portion is secured to the longitudinal member 294 for support. To the other end of the base portion 33! is hingedl'y' connected a portion 385 which, in turn, hingedly receives a portion 336. Arms 33'! are pivotally' connected to the portion 386 and are adjustably mounted in brackets 333 at their free ends, the

brackets 3.88 being supported by the upper fiange of the channel member 211. As is clear from Figs; 14' and 15, the brackets 333 are in the form of pivotally mounted posts so that the arms 381 may; swing as well as slide axially;

A micro-switch 395 is secured to the outer face of the rail portion 383 by screws 3% and sleeves 3'91 (Figs. 15 and 16). An actuating plunger 333 extends through an aperture in the portion 333 and is surrounded at its free end by a compression spring 399 which extends beyond such free end. An auxiliary fence member 461), formed as clearly indicated in Figs. 15 and 16, is secured by a hinge 41H to the front of the rail portion 384 in a position for engagement with the spring 333. A jammingv against the auxiliary fence 4E6 of units being unscramblcd will overcome the force of the spring 399 and move the plunger inwardly to open the micro-switch 335, which will deenergize the motor 263, the switch 395 being connected into the circuit of the motor 206, as more particularly described below.

Vertically and laterally adjustable construction 415 is provided for supporting cartons as con tents are dropped therefrom to the chain belt 280 and for removing the empty cartons. Two vertical rack bars 416 are provided at the discharge end of the unscrambler mechanism 54 and two vertical rack bars 4|? are provided at the other end thereof, the rack bars 415 being bolted and welded to the transverse strap members 219 and 325 (Figs. 5b and 15), and the two rack bars 4| 1 being secured to the transverse strap. members 214 and 215 by angle brackets 418 (Fig. 8).. An L-shaped member 423 is supported by the two rack bars 416 and 411 at each side of the mechanism 54 (Figs. 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 14 and 17).

An L-shaped member 423 has riveted at the free end of the horizontally extending leg portion thereof a bracket 42! which rotatably supports a shaft 423 beneath the leg portion of the menu ber 420, the shaft 423 havin a pinion 322 secured to each free end by a setscrew, each of which is in engagement with the teeth of the respective rack bar 416 (Figs. 4b, 5b, 17 and 18). The left hand bracket 42! includes a depending U-shaped portion 424 which extends inwardly of Extending at right 

